Protasiewicz Declines to Recuse Herself in Mobile Voting Case

Madison, Wis (Civic Media) – Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz will not recuse herself from a case involving the legality of mobile voting sites in the state. The case was brought by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) on behalf of Racine County Republican Party Chairman Ken Brown, alleging that Racine city officials unlawfully used a voting van to collect absentee ballots. 

In December 2022, a Racine County judge ruled that state law does not allow for the use of mobile voting sites. In February, Racine City Clerk Tara McMenamin and the Democratic National Committee sought the state Supreme Court’s review of the case, with the request for recusal put in at that point. The court hasn’t said whether they’ll even hear the case.

The City of Racine acquired a “Mobile Election Unit” in 2021, funded by private grants to enhance voter outreach efforts. However, a judge ruled the use of this mobile voting van provided a partisan advantage to Democrats and violated state law.  

Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz ruled in favor of WILL, saying that he was emphasizing the importance of adhering to election laws to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.  

The order from Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz is below.